Hi faylowell,

I have to deal with these tiers of extended benefits too.

I have been told that the maximum of the 4 tiers is 53 weeks. It doesn't look like this number of 53 weeks will increase, because it is already difficult enough to have the Congress agreed on extending up till 79 weeks for newer claims.
With a new claim you will start the regular 26 weeks plus possible extended benefits.

I hope you can sort it out. I agree that it can be stressful!
John